There is nothing worse than being involved in an auto accident. You hear the scraping of metal, the crunch of glass, and even though it seems to happen in slow motion there’s usually not much you can do about it. There is nothing worse, except, when the other party decides to flee the scene. That’s right, auto accidents are messy but a hit-and-run is even messier. If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run, you want to make sure you know beforehand how to properly handle the situation, because you may not be thinking clearly in the moment. Here’s a step-by-step process to keep you protected as the victim of a hit-and-run auto accident.

Call and Stay Safe

If you are in an accident and realize the other driver has fled the scene, you need to call the police immediately. If you were hit in an area with traffic, make sure you are able to get to a safe place.

Take Note

This actually applies no matter what type of accident you are involved in, but it is especially important if you’ve been in a hit-and-run. Make sure you are taking note and observing as many details as possible. If the other driver has already gone, try to recall the color of the vehicle, the make, model as well as the year. Were you able to catch the license place? Write it down! You should also take photos of the scene, your car, and a picture of the other driver/vehicle if at all possible. If there were witnesses, ask them to stay and talk to police and get their account. Note the time and location of the accident as well.

To help you take good notes, make sure you keep a cell phone handy where you can record information, or a little notebook in your glove box.

Work with Police

If you haven’t already (or were unable to) the police will help you move to a safe place. When the police arrive, they’ll also want to know as many details as possible, so making sure you thoroughly complete step two will be helpful.

Contact Your Insurance Company

When you contact your insurance agent, they’ll help you get started filing a claim. They may be very helpful in getting you and your car back on the road, but sometimes working with insurance can get tricky. Here’s where step 5 comes in handy…

Hire an Accident Attorney

Hit-and-run accidents are different than regular auto accidents, which means the entire process it a little bit messier to resolve. There’s no better time to hire an accident than when you’ve been in a hit-and-run. An accident attorney like those at Cockayne Law will have your best interest in mind, take care of the extra paperwork, and work to make sure everything resolves in your best interest.

If you’ve been in a hit-and-run, but sure to contact Cockayne Law as soon as you can after the accident!

When it comes to car accidents, there are many commonly believed “facts” about what should happen after the wreck. The only problem is, these beliefs are usually myths. Here are five common car accident myths, and what you really need to do after you’ve been in an accident.

Myth #1: The Police Will Decide Who is At Fault

When you’ve been in a significant accident, the police will likely show up. While you may think that they will determine who is at fault, but the truth is they are there to write up an accident report. The report may be useful later if you decide to go to court, but liability will be determined by a judge or insurance companies. While an accident report is helpful, make sure you take as many notes of your own as you can as well as plenty of photos and maybe even video.

Myth #2: You and the Other Driver Can Work It Out

After you’ve been in an accident you may be tempted to admit fault. You may do so willingly or unintentionally while you try to work accident details with the other driver. Don’t admit fault! If it’s a minor accident, exchange insurance information (without admitting fault). And if it’s a larger accident, you may want to hire an accident attorney (while still refraining from admitting fault!).

Myth #3: Work with your insurance to handle the claim

You will have to work with an adjuster from your insurance company to get the damages settled after your auto insurance, but that doesn’t mean everything will be covered or that the company has your best interest in mind. Thoroughly review offers your insurance company makes (which may be easier to do in a simple fender bender). And be careful when talking with the other driver’s insurance!

Myth #4: You Can’t Sue for Injuries Later

If you’re in an accident and suffer from whiplash, it could be weeks before your symptoms manifest. So, when it comes to suing for injuries after the fact, you can do so as long as it’s within your state’s statute of limitations. In serious car accidents, it’s wise to seek medical attention even if you don’t have any obvious symptoms immediately following the collision.

Myth #5: Hiring an Accident Attorney Isn’t Worth It

You may be able to get away with handling your own paperwork and damages with a minor fender bender. But in accidents anything more serious than that, it is worth hiring an accident attorney. Your attorney will represent and fight for you – whether that’s for fault, damage to your vehicle, injuries, or anything else necessary to get you back on track after a car accident. If you’ve been in an auto accident, it is well worth it to hire an attorney from Cockayne Law. With a free consultation, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Cockayne Law will be your advocate to ensure everything is settled fairly. Avoid this fifth myth and contact them today!